8mo–20mo10 minMealtimeFamily time
Mealtime Mini-Coach: Fingers, Spoon, Cup
A calm mealtime routine that supports self-feeding practice with fingers, a spoon, and a cup while you watch posture, reaching, and steady body control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your usual safe seating for meals (highchair or booster as you normally use)
- a small plate/bowl
- a small open cup with a tiny amount of water or milk (as you normally offer)
- a baby/toddler spoon (or a small spoon with a short handle)
Nice to have
- a bib and a cloth/towel for quick clean-ups
- a non-slip mat under the bowl/plate
- a second spoon for you to model with
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneFeeds self with spoonBody· 12mo–2.1y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneHolds and drinks from a cupBody· 15mo–18mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneWhen sitting, can lean forward to pick up small toys.Body· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneSits without supportBody· 6mo–9mo· core
- MilestoneUses objects functionallyMind· 10mo–15mo· stretch· Steps 3, 4
- MilestoneReaches for nearby objectsBody· 4mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneTransfers object between handsBody· 6mo–12mo· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Treat mealtimes as an opportunity to help children to use fingers, spoon and cup to feed themselves.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)